IEBC: Chebukatis security withdrawn

The security detail of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati and that of the two remaining commissioners has been withdrawn.

This comes just a day after half of the commissioners at the poll body resigned leaving the IEBC incapable of conducting business.

In a statement to newsrooms, IEBC Communications Manager Andrew Limo said the armed drivers attached to Chebukati, Prof. Ayub Guliye and Boya Mulu had also been recalled without notice.

“The Commission has this morning learnt that the security (including armed drivers) of the Chairman and Commissioners Prof. Ayub Guliye and Boya Mulu have been withdrawn. Consequently, the commission has written to the Inspector General of police for an understanding of the circumstances leading to this action,” said Mr. limo.

The IEBC communications boss lamented that the move is a breach of security for the Chairman and the two commissioners.

“The withdrawal of security is likely to expose the chairman and the Commissioners to security risk. The action undermines their effectiveness in executing the work of the Commission,” reads part of the statement.

IEBC Vice Chair Consolata Nkatha, Commissioners Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya resigned on Monday citing lack of faith in the Chairman.

Soon after the three quit, political leaders from across the political divide began calling for the disbandment of the entire commission.

“Chebukati must now lead the other commissioners out of IEBC by tendering his resignation letter together with those of the other remaining commissioners and the entire secretariat,” said Siaya Senator James Orengo.

“Chebukati, Molu & Guliye MUST resign from IEBC within the next 7 days or we form a Tribunal to investigate them,” tweeted Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen.

Mr. Chebukati, however, accused the three commissioners of failing the test of leadership in a time of crisis.

While Chebukati insists that operations at the commission remain on course, IEBC requires  a quorum of five to effectively transact any business.

“As the chairman, I am committed to the course of transforming the country’s electoral management body to make it more responsive and professional,” said Chebukati after the trio resigned.